(Trinidad Express) Only one day after he was diagnosed by doctors with the deadly dengue fever, the viral disease claimed the life of 35-year-old Rakesh Daryl Nanlal, a pharmacist at the Eric Williams Medical Science Complex (EWMSC), Mt Hope.
The Preysal man was admitted to the hospital, in which he worked, for treatment after battling worsening symptoms last Wednesday.
According to relatives, Nanlal discharged himself after being treated with intravenous drips, as he was feeling some relief. However, by Thursday Nanlal had significantly deteriorated and began to bleed. He was rushed back to the facility for treatment where he eventually died.
An autopsy performed on Friday confirmed that disease had killed him, relatives said. They believe he is the country’s fifth confirmed dengue death this year—a figure disclosed by the Ministry of Health.
Nanlal, who lived with his wife of six years Devi Ramdin, was yesterday mourned by his family, friends, co-workers and neighbours during a funeral service at the family’s home in Nanan Trace, Preysal. Ramdin, overcome with grief, was held by her relatives as she completed the final Hindu rituals.
At the service, Nanlal, who attended St Mary’s College and graduated from The University of the West Indies with his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, was remembered for his brilliance, and his ability to be a light to those in need.
Heartfelt tributes
Those who worked with him at the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) at its pharmacy department paid tribute, describing him as someone who brought joy and life to others.
“I just want to say that I know Rakesh as one of the most helpful and kind people in the pharmacy. He had a way of speaking that would bring joy to the workplace. It is such a surprise that he went this way. I will really miss him,” a pharmacy co-worker said.
Another added, “I was so devastated when I heard Rakesh passed… One cannot comprehend the loss of a husband, brother and co-worker. He would be a tremendous loss to the North Central Region because he brought joy, friendship and brought everyone together. From the staff of NCRHA and the pharmacy, please accept our condolences.”
Throughout the farewell, several opted to speak of the impact Nanlal had on them, lamenting that his bright light had been cut short.
Present was economist Dr Vaalmikki Arjoon, Nanlal’s cousin, who remembered him as ambitious and brilliant. Arjoon said Nanlal’s passing was a devastating blow and a hard pill to swallow for the family.
“He touched a lot of lives. This is the legacy he has left in this short space of time. He accomplished so much,” Arjoon said.
Eulogised by his best friend, Anasthasia Lalchan, Nandlal was described as a beacon, his caring and compassionate nature having drawn several people into his orbit.
“Today I ask you all not to say goodbye to him but live in his light, be kind, be loyal, be a friend, be someone’s reason to smile. May his family and friends and all those who knew him be comforted in knowing that he touched so many lives in his short time on earth,” Lalchan said.
“He protected everyone and never worried. He was supportive in every way possible even if he disproved at times, he would lend a shoulder to cry on and give a hand to those in need. He was fun loving and a hard worker. He was the life of the party, always up for the boy’s lime and a cousin’s lime,” she added.